Nonpoint Pollution from Forestry

Increased sedimentation and water temperature are
historically the greatest problems associated with forestry. These problems are mostly caused by improper road
construction and maintenance, and by careless timber harvesting
next to streams.

The rules preserve trees in streamside areas to shade the streams, which keeps them
cool, and provide the woody debris that builds in-stream salmon habitat. They
also require road construction and maintenance to help prevent stream silting,
provide protection for wetlands, and set restrictions on pesticide use.

State government, treaty Indian tribes in western Washington,
and many conservation groups have joined forces to obtain
federal funding for the maintenance and decommissioning of
abandoned and deteriorating national forest roads in Washington.